Caring about competencies

In the previous edition of Chartered Banker we reviewed the basic structure of the Institute’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme. In the second part of this series we take a look at the evidence requirements of the scheme, monitoring and CPD resources.

How do I record my CPD?

We recommend that you record your evidence online via the members’ section of the website. However, you can download a blank plan from our website or use your own format. You may wish to keep a file of additional evidence such as attendance certificates from conferences or seminars.

If your employer has CPD Approved Employer status you are only required to record evidence for your five hours of Professionalism and Ethics activity and, where appropriate, 14 hours of mortgage-related activity for Professional Mortgage Adviser (PMA) status.

What is the Approved Employer Scheme (AES) and how does it benefit me?

A number of financial services organisations have signed up to our AES which recognises the development activity which you undertake at your place of work for CPD purposes. The majority of your CPD can be achieved within the overall framework of the AES and you only need to record evidence for Professionalism and Ethics, and (for PMAs) mortgage-related activity.

For further information on the AES, together with a list of approved employers, please visit our website at www.charteredbanker.com and go to the CPD section.

What are the categories for recording my CPD?

There are five broad areas of CPD qualifying activity:
• professionalism and ethics (compulsory, at least five hours required)
• technical skills/technical skills (Mortgage Adviser) (compulsory for PMAs where at least 14 hours of mortgage-related activity is required)
• management and leadership skills
• communication skills
• community/voluntary activities.

How do I complete the compulsory Professionalism and Ethics element of the scheme?

Professionalism and Ethics includes areas such as ethical decision-making and behaviour, professional standards, corporate governance, regulation, internal control and risk management. Any CPD activity dealing with these areas can fulfil the requirement in this category. However, the Institute does provide a number of relevant resources for members.

Ethical case studies (including suggested solutions) are included in Chartered Banker magazine. Reviewing each case study comprehensively will equate to one hour of CPD, helping members meet the compulsory minimum of five hours for this category. These case studies can also be found within the Chartered Banker magazine on our website. You will also find some “Ethical Dilemmas” as well as our online Professionalism and Ethics toolkit. Making use of the legal awareness updates from Brodies LLP can also count towards CPD activity.

Do I have to send in my CPD every year?

No. We will carry out a monitoring process in February every year, via a random sample, to protect the integrity of the scheme for members and also the reputation of the Chartered Banker Institute as a professional body. If you are written to and requested to submit your evidence, then you will need to do so in order to maintain any CPD-related designation you have (Chartered Banker/PMA).

What CPD resources does the Institute have?

There is a wide selection of CPD material available, including online courses, the credit skills library, the professionalism and ethics toolkit, mock examinations and workbooks all of which can be found in the members’ section of the website. Reading the Chartered Banker magazine can also contribute towards your CPD and your compulsory five hours of Professionalism and Ethics can be achieved by reading and reviewing the ethical case studies which appear in every issue.

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